A new chapter begins for Newcastle United this weekend. Well, it at least feels that way.
The visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to St James’ Park on Saturday is the Magpies’ first game since the summer transfer window closed. In those three months it was open, it genuinely felt like a lifetime.
The Magpies filled the positions they needed to, with Aaron Ramsdale rivalling Nick Pope for the number one jersey, Malick Thiaw bolstering the centre of defence, Jacob Ramsey adding depth to the midfield, Anthony Elanga bringing pace down the right wing and Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa brought in to lead the attack line.
Around £250m was spent to ensure Newcastle have the capacity to compete on all fronts this season, but just what is Eddie Howe’s strongest starting XI? Here’s what we think:
Remains one of the best, if not the best, shotstoppers in the Premier League.
1. GK: Nick Pope
Remains one of the best, if not the best, shotstoppers in the Premier League. | Getty Images
Has performed brilliantly at left-back in Lewis Hall’s absence. Now he needs to translate that over to the right.
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Has performed brilliantly at left-back in Lewis Hall’s absence. Now he needs to translate that over to the right. | Getty Images
Malick Thiaw provides strong competition but Schar has done little to warrant being on the bench. Has been a consistent performer under Eddie Howe.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Malick Thiaw provides strong competition but Schar has done little to warrant being on the bench. Has been a consistent performer under Eddie Howe. | Getty Images
I can hear a lot of you saying Sven Botman but let’s be honest here, Burn has been colossus at the back for a long period now.
4. CB: Dan Burn
I can hear a lot of you saying Sven Botman but let’s be honest here, Burn has been colossus at the back for a long period now. | Getty Images